By Ngoc Vo

Aspire Fitness Studio on the Square just opened its door in August, offering a variety of health and fitness programs.

Aspire is a private training facility with high intensity interval training classes, personal training, stretch classes, nutrition program and massage therapy.

The studio’s owner Amanda Hardin has a great passion for fitness and has been in the field since 2009.

Hardin started as a client at Trinity Fitness and worked there as a trainer after getting her certification in 2011.

“At the time when I started as a client, I was a stay at home mom of a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old,” Hardin said. “Fitness classes made me feel better; I had more energy. I learned how to eat healthier for my family.

“I started running competitively, and I was in a body-building competition… I really liked it. Fitness is really a part of my life.”

Hardin said she enjoys what she does and is happy to help any client interested.

“I feel like I can relate as a mom, an active woman and as a busy business owner.”

Before moving to Troy in 2008, Hardin had been an elementary school teacher for about eight years in Mobile.

“Being a personal trainer let me put together health, nutrition and teaching all in one,” Hardin said. Teaching comes naturally to me. It’s just something I have always enjoyed. At the same time I can help people get a better quality of life.”

According to Hardin, Aspire offers a semi-private setting with flexible training schedule tailoring to the client’s need.

“It’s really personalized,” Hardin said. “Everyone moves at their own pace and ability. However, we motivate them to push themselves to get better and be more successful in reaching their health and fitness goal.

“What’s different about Aspire is that you are not on your own. You have a trainer with you to answer questions and provide guidance. Even in the class setting, I hold each client accountable for their progress by checking their attendance and nutrition journals. I make sure they are getting what they need.”

There are long-term and short-term programs as well as no-contract option at Aspire.

The program appeals to a wide audience from young teenagers to people in their 70s, Hardin said.

According to Hardin, the name of the fitness studio came from the definition of the word aspire on dictionary.com

Hardin said the store is aspiring to reach a balanced level of overall health and fitness.

“That sum up what I believe: health and fitness is for everybody,” Hardin said. “We want to help health, fitness and good nutrition be a part of everyone’s lives regardless of age, sex and ability. I encourage people to not allow excuses to keep them from a healthy lifestyle.”

Hardin said her vision for the studio is to continue to grow and offer more services for anyone with the needs.

“We strive to make it an all-inclusive facility not just for training but for overall health,” Hardin said.